911th Airlift To Remain Open Through Next Year

A Pittsburgh-area Congressman has announced that he has learned that the 911th Airlift Wing will remain open at least through next year.

Congressman Tom Murphy announced that the Air Force has said they will keep open the Pittsburgh-area base complete with its eight C-130 refueling planes. And, sixteen refueling tankers will stay in service at the 171st National Guard Refueling Wing.

The Air Force posted the base last year on a list of facilities around the nation that would be closed before this fall in a massive cost-cutting effort. Officials had stated that closing the Pittsburgh base could save $354 million. Numerous Pennsylvania lawmakers had lobbied extensively against the move.

Some 1,700 jobs, including those of more than 300 civilians, would have been affected by the closing.